Chapter 10 - Installing the ACME screws

Admittedly this is a short chapter compared to the last, but it marks a point where I feel the machine is getting close to looking and soon to be running like it should.  As always, here is a picture of the parts required to install the lead screws.

Installing the Z-Axis Lead Screw

Just like the book, I started with the lead screw installation on the Z-Axis.  Well, let's just say that it didn't quite go off without a hitch.  When I run the screw down to the first nut, it threaded just fine, but going into the second wasn't so easy.  Even with the spacers I made for the Z-Carriage, I still didn't have enough clearance on the Z-Beam.  I mean it was close, the nut just barely rubbed the Z-Beam.  Still it was unacceptable.  So, I got out the callipers and went through a bunch of 3/8" washers until I found four that were the same size.  I added one to each carriage bearing to give me a little more clearance between the nuts and beam.  Next, I didn't really have enough wiggle room on the bottom nut to prevent it from binding when I run the lead screw into it.  To remedy this, I removed the 5/16" socket head screws and replaced them with 1/4-20 x 1" long bolts as recommended in the book.  After all that, I finally had enough room to shift things around and line up the lead screw.  WHEW, hope the rest are not that bad!!!

Installing the X-Axis Lead Screw

Next came the X-Axis lead screw.  The anti-backlash nuts on the X-Axis are held on by 1/4-20 x 1" bolts as per the plan because of the extrusion.  This lead screw installed with no problems at all.

Installing the Y-Axis Lead Screws

When I built the Y-Carriages I used the supplied 5/16" socket head cap screws that came with the anti-backlash nuts.  After the issues with the Z-Axis, I went ahead and replaced them with the 1/4-20 x 1" bolts before I even started on the lead screw installation.  Also, Zachary and I found it helpful to grind down part of the head of the inside motor mount bolts to give a little more clearance for the opposite nut that attached the angle down to the extrusion.  This is a tight fit there.  Otherwise the Y-Axis lead screws installed just fine.

The machine in its current state

The machine is coming along just fine and I will be starting the electronics portion soon.  I think I will turn my attention to the computer rack that will be built into the table next.  I have put it off long enough.  See you in the next chapter.